Knight and Judoka (Japanese: 騎士と柔 Kishi to Yawara) is the forty-first chapter of the Medalist manga.
Characters[]
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(cameo)
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Story[]
Inori and her coaches discuss their goals for the JGP. Inori and Tsukasa are dead set on winning the final, though Kohei finds it unrealistic. Hitomi suggests aiming for at least one gold because she'll only be compete against the Japanese skaters assigned to the same event, but Inori learns that the female skater accompanying her to the Thailand event will be Iruka Okazaki, the defending JGP champion. Though initially intimidated, Inori, motivated by Hikaru's words, decides she still won't give up on the final.
With 2 weeks left and a Triple + Triple combo to learn, Inori is eager to train, though her growing pains eat into her practice time. One afternoon, she is asked to attend a reserved training session to meet a new helper. As she walks, a gust of wind blows a large wooden sign toward her. Before it can strike however, a robust woman steps in to shield Inori, before immediately recognizing her.
At the club, the woman is introduced as their new medical trainer, Miho Kanayumi. Facing Inori, Miho suddenly tears up and expresses relief that she is okay. She recalls seeing Inori at the West Japan Championship two years ago, where she noticed signs of shin splints while Inori danced in the parking lot. Miho had intended to approach Inori, but before she could, a careless child swung a water bottle into her face, sending her to the emergency room. She later heard that one of the girls suffered a leg injury, which she had felt guilty for ever since, to the point where she kept having dreams about that day for the next two years.
Tsukasa recounts how he persuaded Miho to join Lux Higashiyama. Visiting Fukuoka Park FSC, he asked Miho to help at her club out of the blue, shocking Coach Hotaino. He pleaded aggressively, which earned him a judo slam from Miho. Though Inori was on her mind, she cared equally about the children at Fukuoka Park. However, Tsukasa returned daily to continue his plea, enduring him repeated judo slams and gradually improving in fall safety. His persistence eventually moved Miho and Coach Hotaino.
The next day, Miho tapes Inori's legs, providing immediate pain relief, though she emphasizes that actual treatment still requires rest. Hitomi mentions that Hikaru is also recuperating from a minor injury, reminding Inori that even the stronger athletes cannot force their way through pain. Inori still fears that she's not able to work hard enough. Inori, however, fears that she isn't working hard enough. Tsukasa immediately reassures her of her efforts, showering her with his handmade "Tsukasa Medals," but his encouragement has little effect — having grown accustomed to his constant praise, Inori has become desensitized to it. However, when Miho echoes the same reassurance, Inori begins to feel better. Tsukasa then stresses the importance of training efficiently, which Miho fully supports, vowing to help Inori optimize her training regimen.
As she resumes practice, Inori adopts a more analytical approach, carefully assessing her falls and identifying their causes instead of relying on brute force. Her efforts pay off when she successfully executes a Triple Flip + Triple Toe Loop combo three times in a row in Kohei's lap check. Witnessing Inori's remarkable progress firsthand, even Kohei agrees to aim for the gold in the JGP Final.